NYU professor David Darts created the PirateBox more than a year ago and now, thanks to the availability of new cheaper components, users can build a box for as little as $50 according to TorrentFreak. Once assembled, the PirateBox essentially acts as its own file-sharing network, broadcasting wirelessly and allowing any users within range to upload and download files.

The idea has floated around in various forms for a while. I personally like the most the oldschool "BBS" type wireless system idea, where the nodes can ping packets through the network - granted its a bit unsuitable for pirating stuff bcos of the bandwidth limits of such networks (when made from readily available consumer parts) but overall a nice toy and would have some potential usage in circumenventing the overly intrursive internet controls in some locations in the world (although would be relatively easy to find out and just shoot everyone in the house where such thing is found in these locations).